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Spring and Autumn Itinerary (March June) & (September November)
Day 1 - Settle in
Arrival is usually
through Kavala, which takes around 30 mins transfer to costal Hotels
or 1 1 ½ hours to Mountain destinations.
You can settle in your
Hotel and explore the area for yourself, maybe relax on the beach and
we will then meet in a Taverna for a traditional meal and wine.
Tonight you will be able to get the feel of your destination and relax
together meeting the locals.
Day 2 Excursion
to Caves, Village walk, Evening in a traditional Taverna
for cookery & Dance lessons.
The picturesque journey
to Αληστράτης Alistrati caves takes around an
hour on the coach. The tour of the caves takes about 30 - 40 mins
walking guided by an English Speaking specialist.
We will leave the Caves
around lunchtime and head for a small traditional village called "Καλή
Βρύση" "Kali Vrysi with old houses and architecture that make
perfect arts and photographical opportunities, enjoying some homemade
Greek Pies and other village delights over coffee.
Another old village is "Καλλιθέα"
"Kallithea" where we will have Cookery and Greek Dancing Lessons in a
modern but traditional Taverna finishing the evening with a relaxed
BBQ.
Day 3
Challenging walk along the River "Νέστος", "Nestos"
with picnic
One of the most
challenging days is a beautiful walk along the magnificent Νεστου
River Nestos to really appreciate some of Greece's most spectacular
scenery. The journey, 7 km to the place of rest where we arrange a
picnic and refreshments to recover. We continue a further 9km along
the River to the traditional village of "Λιβερά"
"Livera" where we can enjoy a nice Barbeque on the country site before
the Train back to our starting point, unless of course you want to
return on foot!
However we want everyone
to experience and enjoy this walk and it is easy to shorten the
distance, or if some group members will prefer they can merely saunter
along the path for a while and then take the train to the final
destination. This day is really up to the individual as to how much
they challenge themselves.
Day 4 Rest Day
This day will be a good
opportunity to relax down the beach, sleep over a book and watch the
sunset or the moonlight rise over the sea. For those that want to
continue exploring there are many places we can suggest to visit with
a rental car.
Day 5 Excursion
to the Waterfalls of Λειβαδίτη, Livaditi
After you have rested
for a day you will be ready to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls in
the Ροδοπη Rhodopi region. The descent of the
falls is tricky but enjoyable and well worth the effort. There is an
option to spend the night in Log Cabins in the forest and relax with a
BBQ whilst being close to nature and, practising our "Greek Skills".
The Cabins are adequate and comfortable but please don't expect 4 star
accommodations. If you decide to return to your Hotel we can arrange
to meet in a local taverna for the evening
Day 6 - Tour of
the City of Kavala and the Mud Baths
Later you will have the
opportunity to walk in Alexander the Greats footsteps. We will head
to the Ancient Theatre of Phillipi which is an archaeological site
built by colonist from the Island of Thassos in 360BC, known as
Krinides until Alexander the Great's Father, King Phillip occupied the
City in 356BC. During July and August we can arrange to watch an
amazing Theatrical Tragedy in the ancient theatre, however the play
will be in Greek!
Possibly the highlight
of the day is the experience of the therapeutic and healing properties
of the Mud Baths next to Phillipi, a unique feeling that will leave
you feeling relaxed but refreshed.
(Note: The Mud baths are
usually open from May to August/September)
Day 7 rest day
Day 8 - Canoeing,
Kayaking, Horse Riding, Archery, Cycling, Nestos River
Heading once again to Νεστου
Nestos we will enjoy a day by the River taking part in different
activities of Canoeing, Horse Riding and Archery. There is a wide
selection of activities you can choose from. We work with a
specialised outdoor pursuits company, ensuring your safety is of the
greatest importance. You will be provided with all the necessary
equipment and the day will include a barbeque
Day 9 Rest day
Day 10 -
Discovering Mount Falakro
Mount Falakro is an
amazing place to discover all year round. Once the seasons snow has
melted you will find various spring and summer flowers to enjoy. There
are many paths we can follow which are of varying difficulties and any
lover of walking will find that their tastes are met by this mountain.
Once we are tired from walking we will head to one of the local
traditional villages where will spend the evening with a Greek chef
learning the secret recipe of making Mousaka and Tsatziki. And even
practice our dancing and language skills.
Day 11 Rest day
It would be a shame not
to visit the amazing beaches of Kavala. We will suggest that you spend
at least one day relaxing on the famous Αμμόλοφοι,
Ammolofoi beach in tropical scenery full of golden sand hills. There
you will find beach bars and sun beds to enjoy the whole day.
Day 12 -
Discovering the almost deserted Village of Perivlepto
Heading to Central Ροδόπη
Rhodopi, we will discover an old Mountain Village Περίβλεπτο
Perivlepto where only one family now remains who survive a harsh life
with animal rearing. The 19th Century farm houses make excellent
photographic and arts opportunities. Here we can appreciate the
scenery of the peaks of Rhodopi as we walk back in time through this
once thriving village. We will enjoy traditional snacks provided by
the sole family of Perivlepto who will be pleased to greet us.
When we are finished
exploring we will head towards "Αδριανή"
Adriani, which is well known for its fight against the Turkish
occupation. You will feel the magical atmosphere among the hundreds
acres of vineyards. We will visit one of the biggest and most famous
wineries to learn about the wine making process and sample the wines.
You will find that after sampling the delicious wines it will be much
easier to continue with a language lesson! And you can enjoy an
evening of relaxing with excellent food and drink, practising your
newly acquired dancing and language skills.
Day 13 -
Discovering the village of Pagoneri
Close to Falakro lies
the traditional village of Pagoneri, steeped in a rich history of
struggles in the wars of Greece, the villagers await to welcome you
into their village that they are so proud of which is one of the only
areas with a preservation order. After wandering through the old
streets and taking in the amazing architecture and traditional lives
we will head to the only Taverna in the village which is new but
within keeping of the area. Here there will be a dance teacher waiting
to show you some traditional moves followed by a cookery lesson when
the villagers will share their ancient recipes.
Day 14 - Visit to
an old Town "Ξάνθη" "Xanthi" and Cooking Lesson, Dancing in the ancient
theatre of Phillipi
Setting off in the
morning we will take the road for Turkey, heading to Xanthi which is
an old Town with old architecture. You can wander through the old
narrow streets and discover the Old Market Town at your leisure. At
lunch time we have arranged a special cooking lesson for you, learning
Greek and other Eastern recipes. Of course the lesson will follow a
wonderful meal.
In the evening we will
head once again to the ancient village of Phillipi for a night of
dancing in the historical theatre under the moonlight, following once
again the footsteps of Alexander the Great and the ancient Greek
Paths.
Day 15 - Home
Flights
Usually a lunchtime
flight, arriving back in the UK early evening. |